MILTON, Del.- Two separate housing developments by the same applicant just got the green light from Sussex County Planning and Zoning. Together, Symphony Glen and Windscape Farms will bring more than 250 new homes to the Milton area.
Symphony Glen is the larger of the two, with 219 homes planned across more than 100 acres. Windscape Farms, located right next door, will add another 49 homes on 26 acres.
They’re among several newer developments popping up in the larger Milton-Harbeson area, drawing a range of reactions from locals.
“It bothers me, but it does not infuriate me,” said one resident.
Others say infrastructure needs to catch up before construction begins.
“You’re not going to stop people from wanting to come here,” said Brad Waccsmuth. “What you have to do is the political people have to come together, and the planners, the town planners, have to come together and do the right thing about zoning.”
There’s something new about the Symphony Glen proposal—nine of the lots are expected to be designated for Sussex County Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program.
Milton already has five Habitat homes, but this would be the first time they’re built within a market-rate neighborhood.
“This is the first time that a developer has brought us in to look at how to add lots to the community to make them affordable, to a different target audience,” said Habitat representative Gilmore.
Many people we spoke with said growth is inevitable—but how and where it happens matters.
“We need to grow as a city to provide jobs and housing,” said Isaac Peat. “But we do have a responsibility to the nature around here. That’s part of what makes this area so beautiful and so amazing.”
Because both projects are subdivisions, they do not require a vote by Sussex County Council.
Another condition tied to Symphony Glen: each lot must contribute $500 to the Milton Fire Department before a building permit is issued—that’s more than $100,000 total to support local emergency services.